Von Miller is facing a six-game suspension for violation of the league's substance policy, according to league sources, but the sides still are negotiating as representatives of theDenver Broncos linebacker are trying to get the ban reduced to four games.

The announcement is expected this week, and could come as early as Monday.

Miller is not likely to go forward with an appeal, though all sides were trying to finalize the suspension's conditions.

Miller met last Thursday with the NFL Players Association with some hope he could have the suspension reduced to four games, sources said, but another source familiar with the process was convinced it will be at least a six-game suspension.

In the test that triggered the suspension, multiple sources say Miller was flagged for a "diluted sample." It happened after Miller was asked to provide a test before an offseason workout/practice and the sample was spilled, by Miller, before it was given to the collector. Miller was then asked at that time to provide another sample and he could not.

He then participated in the workout, drinking fluids throughout the activity. Miller then provided a sample that was used in the test following the workout.

At the meeting with NFLPA officials Thursday in Washington, D.C., multiple sources say discussions were held over whether to challenge Miller's positive test in 2011, for marijuana and amphetamines, as part of his appeal. The flagged samples came following the NFL lockout that kept players away from team facilities until training camp opened. Miller has also argued prescribed medication provided the positive result for amphetamines.

Former Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams also appealed a suspension, last year, that came after a spilled sample. According to court documents from a lawsuit filed following his six-game suspension in 2012, Williams had already failed two tests in his file when giving a sample as part of the random testing program, the bottle fell from his waist area as he was giving the sample. The court documents said Williams then appeared to try to kick the bottle. When his samples were analyzed he was flagged for providing "non-human'' urine.

He was then suspended six games for substance-abuse policy and three more for the personal conduct policy.

The Broncos open the regular season Sept. 5 against the Baltimore Ravens in a Thursday night game that kicks off the season.

Miller, 24, had 30 sacks in his first two seasons, including 18.5 in 2012.

Broncos coach John Fox said Monday that it's business as usual for the team and Miller until they are notified it's not.

Fox said following Monday's practice the Broncos have not been notified of a suspension for Miller and as a result he continued to practice with the first-team defense.

"There's really no latest. We're aware of reports and sometimes they're erroneous because we'd probably find out before other people.''

Asked how long the team has been aware that the suspension could be six or eight games rather than the four that had been widely reported, Fox said:

"We've haven't been aware of really any of it, to be honest with you. We don't know the suspension. There is no suspension and at which time there is, we'll report that. But anything else right now, really, is talking heads.''

I can't imagine the hell that must be. My condolences. At least it's a beautiful area.

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It is a nice area. A few years ago, nothing was more fun than to go watch an SD vs DEN game at the local sports bar wearing my SD colors and cheering for the Boltz while everyone else was pouting. That was back in the day of the great bronco quarterbacks like Griese, Orton and Cutler.

If we could get a win against the Texans, that would propel this team forward I believe. Texans are a strong team, you don't make it to the playoffs and win at least one game two years in a row on accident.